Lost in the Streets of Akihabara

Akihabara, Akiba, if you like Anime I am sure that you have heard of this place, you know what it is, and I'm pretty sure you want to visit this stretch of heavenly goodness, that is, if you really like Anime. I am forever grateful that I have been so lucky that I was able to visit and roam around the streets of Akihabara.

The Electric City

Lies in the heart of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Akihabara is not really a city or a particular specific place. Akihabara is what people call the area surrounding the Akihabara station of Tokyo's Chiyoda ward.

It is a big shopping district with shops located all through out the area. Akihabara is dubbed the "electric town" after world war II because of the shops specializing in electronic goods and other post-WWII black-market.

Akihabara is now known worldwide with its business tightly intertwined with Otaku culture. Akihabara is famous for its stores selling video games, Animes, Mangas, Toys, action figures, related merchandises and for its arcades.

That is one of the main reason why many Anime fans flock into the area to gawk upon the huge billboards with their favorite shows or tirelessly window shop for various merchandises.

Ever since I have known about this place, it has always been my dream to come visit it. And last year, 2020, that dream ultimately took shape and came true. We stayed at Shinjuku, the red light city of Tokyo, since the rate of the hotels there are quite affordable and it has this strategic location best suited if you want to roam around Tokyo. Our hotel was situated 2 blocks away from the train station. From there, it only takes a few minutes and two train rides to go to Akihabara Station.

Unlike here in the Philippines, waiting for the train is not such a hassle. You won't have to risk your life and hygiene just to catch a good seat in a train. There are no heavy and thick lines of people waiting on queue to be able to ride a train. Plus we were there early in February so it was still winter and you can just imagine how cold it was. Not a single sweat will drop from your face while waiting because it is too cold and the trains come on time. As in on the dot. Just waiting to ride a train is already a pleasant and memorable experience.

I just have to say though, Japan's railway system is really complicated and so complex. You really have to pay attention to details when buying tickets and stuff because there are several lines of trains going in different routes that are stopping in some stations. It's really easy to get lost if it's your first time there. Luckily we didn't cause many of them are really helpful to tourists. Also, it's really good idea to just purchase a "ride-all-you-can" pass so even if you get lost, you can just hop back inside and go around. :)

We arrived at the destination just before noon. I was so excited to walk into all the stores I could possibly go to like Animate, Radio Kaikan and a whole lot more. But it's a common belief that it is not good to shop or buy things on an empty stomach cause you might find yourself in deep trouble with your pockets if you do so. A quick and early lunch it was then. Grabbed some sukiyaki from Yoshinoya, and hey, I really have to say, I really thought Yoshinoya has that fast food kind of vibe but wait until you try the Yoshinoya's in Japan. They're like a cozy but full blown restaurant. And my mind was blown when I tasted the soup of that sukiyaki. I can relate to the reactions of the characters on "Food Wars (Shokugeki no Souma)" after that.

But then, onto walking. And the fascinating thing about walking around Akihabara, you can lose a lot of money just by walking on its streets. And why is that? Alright, let's stop those devils on your shoulders that are thinking about snatchers and robbers or stuff like that. Well I guess it's a kind of robbery but it's the good kind, and the thieves will give you something in return, little pieces of cute goodies.

These robbers are called "Gachapons". Gachapons, gashapons are sort of vending machines that will spit out toys after you pay them. But unlike the a vending machine, gachapons will give out random prizes and toys so you are not sure what you are going to get and if in so many tries you still haven't put your hands on the specific toy you want, you will find yourself spending so much money. Gachapons costs 100 yen or around $0.91 to even 500 yen or just under $5. Yes, they are not that cheap, but at least you have a small souvenir to take home.

The ones we got were, keychains, cable biters, pins and small action figures. I also spent a lot of time just checking out all the machines in the area.

The first store I set foot in was really amusing. The building was several storeys high. The things they were selling were divided into genre and are separated by floors. It was I think in our best interest to sweep the whole building from the top floor going down. The first set of items I saw were really up in my alley. They were adult-themed whatevers. Eroges (erotic games), NC-17 videos and magazines, sex toys and hey, did I mention adult videos? If you're really into those kinds of things, why not? We're all free right? And I would have stayed there all day if I could, but there are lots to see, so down a floor we go.

I don't know if it's just me, but I was really appreciative of just about everything in there. Even going from floor to floor, I find it really entertaining. You know why? Well it's because of the beautiful posters and images that are all over the place.

See what I mean? Even elevator doors are so cool. Although I know that these are advertisements and for marketing purposes, I really couldn't care less about their motives, I'm sold. The whole place is wrapped entirely with Anime characters and ads like this one. Not bad right? And of course, this one differs from floor to floor too, I couldn't show you the one with the adult-themed floor so, just imagine it for now.

Hey there!!!

I wanted to savor the moment a bit, and your company a little longer so I will be seeing you on the next part okay? I'll be waiting for you there alright, don't forget to bring your glass and be ready for a wonderful,

Cheers!!!